ALBANY, N.Y. — Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, encouraged by many Republicans to run for governor in 2010, is instead leaning toward a run for U.S. Senate, according to two party advisers.

"From staff, we have been hearing that he has been indicating quietly and privately recently that governor might not be the best fit for him now," one adviser said Thursday. "But the U.S. Senate could be a perfect fit for him."

The adviser noted that nobody is saying Giuliani has decided, but it "certainly sounds" like he is less interested in running for governor. Another adviser echoed that.

The advisers spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak for the state Republican Party or Giuliani.

The New York Times, citing unidentified people told of the decision, reported Thursday that Giuliani, 65, wouldn't run for governor after months of considering it.

Giuliani spokeswoman Maria Comella disputed that report, saying he told her Thursday that he hadn't made a decision.

"When he comes to that decision he'll let everyone know," Comella said. Asked whether that meant Giuliani was still considering a run for governor, she said: "Correct."

Republicans have been watching polls showing that Giuliani, who came to be known as "America's mayor" when he saw grieving New Yorkers through the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, would beat Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a hypothetical matchup in the Senate race next year. Gillibrand was appointed this year to fill Hillary Rodham Clinton's unexpired term when she became secretary of state.

Polls also show Giuliani trailing in a possible matchup with Democrat Andrew Cuomo, the popular state attorney general amassing a large campaign fund.

"Clearly, running for the U.S. Senate is a far smarter move for him, particularly if has any national aspirations," Marist pollster Lee Miringoff said.

The poll surveyed 805 registered voters on Nov. 12, Monday and Tuesday. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Former Rep. Sherwood Bohlert, a moderate New York Republican who served 24 years in Congress, called Giuliani "a leader of the party nationally, not just in New York," and said he thinks the former mayor would have an impact in Washington.

"Maybe another moderate in the Senate in Republican ranks would help bring the majority to their senses," Bohlert said.

Republicans in Albany were energized.

"I think, certainly, Rudy Giuliani would be a great U.S. senator and bring a unique perspective," said New York Assembly Republican leader Brian Kolb. He hasn't heard confirmation of the mayor's decision, but also believes Giuliani is leaning toward a Senate run.

"We should look at who is the best person for the job, first and foremost, and I think Rudy Giuliani is that guy," Kolb said.

Democratic Gov. David Paterson was skeptical of the reports when asked for comment Thursday. "If you don't mind I'd just rather wait for the mayor," he said.

Giuliani ran for Senate in 2000 in what was to be a titanic clash with Clinton. He withdrew when he found out he had cancer, which he has since beaten. He also withdrew from last year's presidential race, lacking support for the GOP nomination.

A third Republican adviser said Giuliani is expected to give Rick Lazio, the only announced Republican in the race, early notice of his decision. The adviser wasn't authorized to speak for the party and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Earlier this year, some Republicans talked about Giuliani as "Rudy the Savior."

After losing the state Senate majority last fall after a half-century of rule, the GOP is shut out of every statewide office and the majorities of both houses of the Legislature for the first time in decades.

That locks the party out of critical control of patronage jobs and the power of incumbency to build electoral wins. Voter enrollment also is giving Democrats a nearly 2 to 1 advantage statewide, and growing.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.